Long-time resident of Bear Hollow Zoo, DJ the bear, was humanely euthanized last Friday, May 30th. The announcement comes only a month after the birthday celebration of Bear Hollow’s bears, DJ, Yonah and Athena.
The decision to euthanize was based on the progression of DJ’s spinal osteoarthritis diagnosis. He was estimated to be 22 years old at the time of his passing.
While originally diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis in 2022, DJ was recently diagnosed with left-sided heart disease in Fall 2024. The diseases are both unfortunately incurable in bears. Zoo keepers ensured DJ was well taken care of throughout his time with them. In his final days, he was showered with lots of attention and plenty of his favorite treat, coconut.
DJ spent most of his life at Bear Hollow, arriving in 2006 from Elijay Wildlife Rehab Sanctuary. His time there was full of naps and playing with his companions, Athena and Yonah. Both arrived at Bear Hollow in 2010 as cubs.
Visitors expressed their heartache and fond memories of DJ via Instagram, where the announcement was posted.
